Ats Rescues

The org rep came back into the room simply grabbed the trashcan and left again. I truly appreciated those few minutes to compose myself and when the woman returned to the room I was sitting in the chair in front of the desk. My lovely companion spoke with the rep for a few seconds by the door before waving at me and leaving me to finalize the paperwork.

"Before we start would you like another drink?" she wasn't the overly cheerful woman who'd greeted me when I exited the elevator. I don't know what had caused the change but I was happy that she seemed less like a used car salesman. Well not used I guess. More a luxury sports car salesman. It was refreshing either way. I recognized that I was still a little shocky, that my mental ramblings were my way of coping and processing, but all things considered being distracted by silly thoughts was the least of my problems.

"Yes do you have any chamomile tea? Three sugars and some milk if you do." I was showing that I trusted them not to drug me or take advantage of me in some other way even if only I knew it.

"Can do, it'll be a minute, while we wait would you like to get started?"

"Sure."

"Ok then. Would you like to make decisions for the household as a whole or by the individual?" I assumed she meant questions about sterilization and other infringements of body autonomy.

"Household please," my lovely female product came in with my tea on a tray which she put on the desk in front of me before leaving silently with a small smile.

"Great. Firstly would you like anyone sterilized?" I shook my head no immediately, "Do you have any specific hairstyles you 'd like them to have?" no "Should we give the men more traditional haircuts?" she mimed short and that was an emphatic no "Would you like to have the hair below the neck lasered from them, just the bikini area or natural?" this was actually tricky because I would love to be permanently clean and smooth from the neck down but I didn't want to decide against someone's wishes.

"Have any of them expressed any preferences?"

"Well, of course, they wish only to be pleasing to your touch but I don't believe any of your choices have much in the way of natural body hair."

"Well then lets leave it for now, that's a procedure we can get elsewhere at a later time if it's desired."

"Great, I'll include some recommendations for spas in your area in with your packet. Speaking of paperwork have you chosen names yet? It really will make completing the rest much easier."

"I don't feel comfortable changing their names, whatever they are now is fine."

"They don't have names, products only have numbers until they're purchased." Ok then that was an issue to unpack later. Who doesn't name children?

"Oh, well can you tell me a little of their ethnic backgrounds to help me narrow it down some?"

"Of course the twins were found left on a beach of an island in the South Pacific they have the genetic markers for ancestry from India, Greece, Spain and Portugal." I felt a little queasy imagining someone who would leave newborns to die in the elements.

"Lets call the one who was standing Surya after one of the Hindu gods of the sun and the other Soma for the god of the moon. Those are also the Sanskrit words for sun and moon as well so I think it works. And what about my fellow with the auburn hair?" she seemed happy but surprised at how quickly I'd answered her.

"He was born in a refugee camp to an Egyptian mother and a half Korean, half Irish father," she smiled at me and kept typing on her tablet.

"Oh I have the perfect name for him, Ash after the Egyptian god of the oasis and the Ash tree is sacred in Celtic mythology."

"And lastly she, your only she, was found in a Nigerian orphanage and unfortunately we can only surmise that she comes somewhere from the Congo region."

"Hmmm well how does Nichelle sound, it means victorious maiden?" I think they speak french in the Congo so the french sounding name was reasonably culturally appropriate.

"I think it fits her well. Wow. So now that they have first names would you like us to generate the rest or did you have some preferences?"

"Umm no I guess not except for one, can Ash's last name be Todd?" She looked puzzled but nodded her head before somehow increasing the speed of her typing.

"So would you like the maximum credentials that they've all tested for, that would be one MBA, one PhD, one MD, one MFA, and one law degree with an active license to practice?" Holy shit. And the oldest of them was only 24. I'm still working on my first doctorate and I thought I was hot shit at 25.

"Do you think that people would find it odd that such overqualified people had taken on full time staff positions for me?" I was thinking specifically of my family though it was a valid concern for others as well. I needed their entrance into my life to be as seamless as possible.

"Hmmm, well there's nothing to say they all have to be staff. If 'people' ask, why not simply say that they are all past acquaintances. That the twins are starting a security firm and you are their first client, that Nichelle is your friend who happens to be a councilor, and that Ash is a romantic interest you met in your studies. The organization can help make those stories as true as need be. That way you can make the most of their training," She smiled at my nod and never ceased the constant flow of information she was typing into her pad.

The rest of the questions and paperwork flowed like that. Did I want them to be American citizens? Where did we meet? Did I have preference as far as past job history is concerned? Am I planning on allowing them to work outside the home? Should they be delivered to my home in their shorts or should they be clothed? Would I like to outfit the security via the organization? Would I like to purchase a wardrobe of clothing through the organization? Would I like to move a significant sum of money into the organizations "bank" to draw from so as not to cause any additional hiccups to my finances?

Hiccup. That was her word for the astronomical amount of money they were pulling from my accounts to deposit into a bank that the organization controlled. Into several separate accounts actually, along with business accounts and real deposits to the fake companies of both the twins and Nichelle. Though I guess they weren't really going to be fake after the paperwork went through. Like if a hiccup could cause a volcanic eruption that's the kind of hiccup we're talking about.

Despite my sticker shock this didn't make much of a dent in my inheritance and I would have spent the total seven figure amount four times over for this feeling of security and hope I had now. I signed my name so much my hand cramped and gave myself a headache trying to skim the legalese but then, like that, it was finished. I was holding a sealed manilla folder with passports, drivers licenses, birth certificates, licenses to carry, permits for any guns and social security cards along with a special translucent blue credit card that linked to my organization bank accounts. Apparently in a few days business licenses, large decorative diplomas and family photos would arrive with the rest of the clothes, shoes and "mementos from their previous lives". Now I just had to pick which SUV I wanted as "gift" from the organization for doing the full package on four premium products. Of course after two hours of decisiveness my brain couldn't choose one more thing. I was caught between a sporty Lamborghini, a stately looking Bentley or an environmentally conscious Tesla. All shown in a custom silvery blue color that was a silent nod to my blue diamond status.

"Ok you know what, I'll take the Bentayga today as my freebee. But can you send the other two in different colors for Nichelle and Ash along with something reinforced for the twins?"

"That's not a problem, I'll tag the Urus as another bonus and get you a discount on the next two cars. Are you ready to meet your household?" she stood up and opened the door for me. I felt the first fizzing sparkles of excitement. I was really ready to leave, to get home, to start a life that would be so different than the one that hadn't felt safe or fulfilling in years. We rode the lone elevator down only we got off on a much deeper level than I had driven to. Neither of us spoke, but since we'd both been speaking non-stop for several hours now it was a somewhat relieved silence. As the elevator stopped and we were at the last moment before the doors opened I reflected on how different my feelings were since this morning. Then the doors were open and I saw a gathering of strangers wearing semi-familiar faces.

They all looked so different with clothes and hairstyles and in one case artfully applied make-up. My guide smiled at me and walked over and stood next to Nichelle.

"May I introduce you to Nichelle Zola. Nia to most of her friends. You met at the Grier School in seventh grade and have been friends ever since," Nia stood in camel colored suede booties, skinny jeans and a long cream colored cashmere sweater under a grey wool peacoat.

The guide moved next to Ash who had on a cool pair of wingtips with a sneaker sole, a paisley button down under a maroon sweater and a tweed blazer complete with elbow patches, "Here we have Asher Radolf Todd, known as Ash. You met him through the University of Penn and have been seeing each other long distance for some time now since work took him to the National Museum," she simply moved to the other side of Ash and waved to the twins who were leaning on the new SUV with casual nonchalance. They looked so different in different clothes that really set off their individual personalities.

Surya was in a black polo shirt and a black motorcycle jacket, jeans and boots. Soma wore a soft looking green sweater that brought out his eyes and a brown leather blazer with matching loafers. Both had their hair pulled back from their faces in long braids and Surya winked at me when he saw my brief flash of disappointment. The rep continued "Last we have Surya and Soma Marais, you met the twins when you were doing your undergrad at Princeton but fell out of touch when they moved to the west coast. They were friends of Nia's unfortunately deceased older brother and kept an eye on you while you were away from home.

"Now everyone is back in Philadelphia again and you are thrilled to open your home to trusted friends and extend your patronage to their new businesses," she stopped presentation mode, walking back over to me and handing me the keys to my car as well as a parking ticket from a hotel parking structure in DC. "They each have a packet of background information that you should go over at some point but if you remember what I told you it's enough for now.

"They each have a duffle bag of clothes and shoes, a cell phone, a laptop or tablet or both depending what might be necessary to support the stories and other miscellany. I would suggest giving everyone their drivers licenses and social security cards and then letting the twins and Nia follow you and Ash in the new car. Our work is beyond reproach and should stand up to any level of scrutiny. However, if you have any problems that your household can't handle or if for some reason aren't around to handle just call the customer service number on your bank card. Your membership status gives you very high priority and we should be able to get help to you within 45 minutes at the latest. Many clients just put us on speed dial," she hands me a Bentley new car packet along with the key which I immediately wave Nia over to take.

"I just can't believe how fast you came up with names for four people," the rep gushes seemingly more herself now the sale is entirely complete, "we usually have to schedule a conference call for 48 to 72 hours later," I blushed and Nia beamed proud that I was better than other clients.

"Well I had been thinking about it since you mentioned naming them the first time. Also, with my doctoral thesis being about creation myths across the world I have so many divine names floating around my head even my bearded dragons name is Oberon. I could tell you what your name means if I knew it like I know that Ranulf means red wolf, it fits by the way." She just shook her head ruefully and held her hand out to shake.

"It has truly been a pleasure. You shouldn't hear from me until your six month satisfaction check-in but if you need me here's my card," she held out a thick velum card with the logo of the bank and Miss Smith over a series of phone numbers and an email. I laughed out loud and waved at her as she walked to the elevator and left me alone with my household for the first time. Nia wrapped an arm around my shoulders and squeezed me tightly, her expression telling me she was probably feeling as bubbly as I was.

"I cannot wait to get some wine and catch up. It's been so long," she winked and I laughed squeezing her back with my free arm.

"Yes, we can't believe how grownup you've gotten since we saw you last," both twins spoke in unison in gravely deep voices that sent shivers up my spine. I turned to them finding them both closer than when the rep was presenting them. I gave them both tight hugs, it almost felt like the story the organization had written was true. They all felt like long time friends reunited. Even that underlying burn of sexual tension felt natural and woven into our dynamic. I dug in the envelope for the licenses and socials handing them out accordingly and watching as they added them to already full wallets. I shook my head at the thoroughness of the organization. It seemed luggage had already been divided up according to the reps recommendation so really it was just time to go.

Soma kissed my cheek before playfully pushing Nia over to the car door and climbing in the back seat. Surya grabbed shot gun and smiled over my head behind me. I felt a strong warm hand take my own and squeeze urging me to turn. Ash was standing close, his eyes looked into mine with intense feelings.

"I missed you so much," they way he said it sold it. I believed him completely and when he leaned in, delicately touching his lips to mine I wasn't scared or disgusted. The touch was soft but I felt it rock through me. His lips were warm and firm and this close he smelled like cinnamon and sunshine. He pulled back too soon, never deepening the contact. Wow.

He kept my hand and led me to my car, well my original car. My ten year old BMW M6 not nearly as eye catching as the new suv. "Would you like me to drive since it's been such a long and taxing day?" actually yes relaxing right now sounded wonderful, I handed over the keys silently. He smiled raised my hand to his lips then opened my door for me. I accepted the galant gesture blushing and feeling happy. Just straight happy without any darkness tainting it. Ash got in the car and adjusted the seat and mirrors for his much taller frame. "Straight home or do we need to stop for groceries? This is probably more people than you usually stock for," this was punctuated by a cheeky smile.

"No I usually just make sure I can serve one, and to be honest I mostly order in," he looked aghast clutching his chest dramatically as he pulled out of the parking structure onto regular streets. He reached over and took my hand again this time slipping his fingers between mine.

"Actually lets order food for when we get home that way we can eat and chat and settle in. I'll get groceries delivered and cook a simple dinner. How's that sound?"

"Like heaven," I said and he smiled, kissing my knuckles again.

"Any food allergies or intense dislikes I should know about?"

"Not really, avocado isn't my favorite but I've heard rumors that it can be made edible in ways besides guacamole." He laughed. I couldn't help feeling wonder at how instantaneously comfortable I felt with him. But I had to ask this even if it broke the spell, "Why did you choose me?" I really hoped it didn't spoil the mood but I was desperate to know.

"Wasn't it the other way around?" he tried to joke it off, I only raised my eyebrows waiting patiently. He sighed' "I saw how secretly panicked you were, how you had this intense, riotous inner struggle that was completely hidden by a charming pleasant facade and I felt that you were just like me. I felt like our souls were vibrating on the same frequency. All the other clients I've seen have been filled with covetousness or lust. And it's usually out there to see, all of it coming across their faces and tones, in their body language. Only hard lessons teach you to hide in plain sight. I knew you had been through the fire, that there is more fire ahead and I want to put it out or burn in it with you." he sighed keeping my hand when I tried to reclaim it, his words causing a tightening in my chest I couldn't even understand entirely.

"Stop. I don't pity you because you went through hell and get tempered, I'm proud. So many blades break under pressure, but not you. I am an expert at blending in and you need me to be a chameleon for you. No other client that might have walked through was ever going to need all that I can offer like you do."

The bands around my chest loosened. I wanted to be upset because at first it seemed that he chose me because I was broken, but then I thought about his words in the context of what Nichelle had said. The products seek a life of purposeful meaning or meaningful purpose. Ash just wanted to be needed for all that he was, not just the shallow requirements most clients had. I could respect that. I even agreed with him. How many other people who fit the economic profile of org clients would truly need to be able to lie with all that they are like their lives depend on it. Probably not many. I lifted our intertwined fingers to my mouth and kissed his knuckles.

"Thank you. You're right that I need that more than anything, especially with you all in my life. So tell me everything that I should know as your long distance girlfriend." the smile he turned my way was beatific but he composed himself quickly.

"Well probably a sight more than you would normally, if we'd had opportunity to shag instead of talking we'd never have gotten to everything. But I don't regret those late nights talking about my years at Oxford then UCLA, or backpacking the Appalachian Trail.

"I'm not much of a ladies man, a little too shy but we were each at the same food truck at the same time everyday, you of course thought I was gorgeous and we naturally just started talking one day. Everything between us was easy it felt like we were always meant to be. I know about your parents and your brother but we don't talk about it much. You know I'm an orphan raised by my fathers mother who was a cantankerous old Korean lady. I grew up in New York but not the city a smaller college town called Utica.

"Hmmm, oh our first date Was a picnic lunch in the Azalea Garden behind the Art Museum. Next we went to watch a regatta because one of your students was competing. You took me to the zoo and our first kiss was on the balloon. With the whole city behind us. We've been on the Fairmount park mansion tour. Been to the Arden theater so many times I got you season tickets last Christmas, I can't think of anything else right now but it'll come to me if it's important," he smiled and I felt tears well up in my eyes. The picture he painted was so perfect and so much everything I liked. It was beautiful.

"God how I wish all that were true," I wiped the tears from my cheeks.

"Hey there now, no reason for tears. That whole story is entirely true. We will do everything I mentioned and more. The organization only got the dates wrong. Ours is a story written in the stars. We're forever. Remember, I belong to you, and now you belong to me back," I smiled and he went back to paying attention to the road. I pulled out my cell, added the customer service number as my number 6 speed dial and ordered some chinese food to meet us at the house. Ash and I discussed potential meals he would prepare and we got some groceries to be delivered later. My stove was going to see more action in the next few days than it had in the last few months. Come to think of it so would I. The thought caused a blush to rise to my cheeks, Ash just smiled at me and turned the radio on low so we could still talk.